Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment
School of Natural and Built Environments
School of Natural and Built Environments
Year of Graduation:
April 2003
Current Employer: Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
Current Job Title: Crew leader
Honours: No
Most memorable experience on the degree program:
I really enjoyed the camps. I particularly liked the fauna studies,
as well as the people and staff that I met. My most memorable
experience would be managing to capture a scorpion using only a
coffee cup in Dangalli National Park. It was a strange but
interesting way to trap such an animal.
How has your degree helped you in your current job?
My knowledge of environmental issues as well as my practical
experience has helped me greatly with my career thus far. My people
skills were greatly improved through the volunteer work experience I
undertook, due to the
advice of my lecturers.
What do you do on a daily basis?
I am currently camping in Vermont on part of the long trail. I am
clearing the trail and installing drainage components, such as
culverts and log/rock water bars. I am managing a crew of eight
16/17 year olds, to complete this project in a specified time frame.
What is most challenging about your role?
Camping for the summer without amenities such as; showers, toilets,
hairdryers etc. Also being able to keep the crew members motivated
throughout the work project.
What do you enjoy most?
Seeing the countryside and being able to see many animals that I
have not seen before, such as moose, squirrels, raccoons and skunks.
The crew members are all great to work with and it's nice to know
that they enjoy my company and respect me as a leader.
What helped you get this position?
My two-year experience in Japan as a language instructor helped me
greatly, as I developed people and communication skills, the
environmental knowledge gained through my degree also helped.
How many positions have you had since graduation?
2
Do you have any advice for students about career progression?
Do volunteer work experience while you are studying. You will be
able to make contacts and get an idea of what an employer needs in
regards of skills and attitude.
Can you describe your first recruitment process?
I wrote an application and there were two people on the interview
panel. They gave me scenarios to determine my suitability for the
position.
What was your first week like in your first job?
Great, I had a lot of support from my managerial staff.
How structured was your training and what did it cover?
It was very structured and ongoing throughout my employment.
What do you wish you had done at University?
I wish I had started doing volunteer work sooner than my last year
of study.
What advice can you give to students currently studying?
Hang in there; it's worth it in the end!
